Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: Some teams are thinking the salary cap ceiling could be in the $84-$85 million range. Last year Bettman predicted $83 million and it ended up at $81.5 million. The NHLPA could consider a higher escrow percentage as many players took a lower salary next season because of the previous threat of a lockout.
The New York Islanders are looking for a goal scorer.
There are reports that CSKA is trying to sign Islanders goalie prospect Ilya Sorokin to contract extension. If he signed a three-year extension in the KHL, he’d become a NHL UFA when the deal expires.